Plate having light and shade thereon, three- dimensional model, and order system therefor

ABSTRACT

A plate having light and shade thereon, wherein a semi-transparent film ( 3 ) is formed on an opaque or light reflective bedding plate ( 2 ) having a variable thickness according to the shading of an image by flushing and solidifying semi-transparent liquid, the thick portion of the semi-transparent film ( 3 ) reflects less quantity of light since much reflected light from the bedding plate ( 2 ) is absorbed by the semi-transparent film ( 3 ), and the thin portion of the semi-transparent film ( 3 ) reflects much quantity of light since the reflected light from the bedding plate ( 2 ) is not much absorbed by the semi-transparent film ( 3 ), whereby the bright and dark or light and shadow of the expressed image can be expressed by utilizing the reflected light (FIG.  1 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate or three-dimensionalmodel featuring shades representation and an order system therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In a case where an imagewise representation on a surface of aplate-like object is desired, it may be contemplated to affix thereto acopy of an image or a photograph. However, this approach encounters aproblem of low durability associated with peeling of the copy orphotograph, or the like.

[0003] In a case where the shades representation on a surface of athree-dimensional model is desired, it may be contemplated to paint thesurface thereof. However, this approach is not adapted for massproduction.

[0004] On the other hand, there is known a shading method assuring theproduct durability and adapted for mass production, the method wherein atranslucent resin plate is formed in a manner that the thickness thereofis varied according to the image shades. When light is irradiated on aback side of the plate, the transmitted light therethrough faithfullyreproduces the image shades and hence, the image is allowed to appear onthe plate.

[0005]FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional profile of a translucent resinplate 40 having such thickness variations.

[0006] Since the aforesaid translucent resin plate 40 is designed to beviewed via the light transmitted therethrough, the plate always need beheld to light in order to observe the image thereon. The shadesrepresentation on the translucent three-dimensional model dictates theneed for disposing a light source within the three-dimensional modelsuch that the imagewise representation may be viewed via the transmittedlight.

[0007] In this connection, a demand exists for the realization of animage representation method which utilizes the reflection of an externallight for permitting the image shades to be observed.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a plate orthree-dimensional model accomplishing a high durability and featuringimagewise representation with shades observable via reflective light.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (1) A plate featuring imagewise representation according to theinvention is characterized in that a translucent film varied inthickness according to the shades of an image to be represented isoverlaid on an opaque or light reflective base plate.

[0010] According to the above arrangement, reflective light through athicker portion of the translucent film is absorbed by the film in agreater quantity so as to be significantly reduced in quantity. On theother hand, a reflective light through a thinner portion of thetranslucent film is not much absorbed by the film and hence, thereflective light therethrough is relatively greater in quantity. Thus,the luminance variations or shades of the image to be represented can bereproduced. Since the translucent film absorbs a part of the lighttherethrough, the film may also be called “a semi-absorptive film”.

[0011] The “opaque or light reflective base plate” as a substrate may beformed from any material that can reflect light toward the translucentfilm.

[0012] The translucent film may comprise a resin incorporating therein apigment. However, a material for the translucent film is not limited tothis and may include other materials such as rubber and glass.

[0013] In the plate featuring imagewise representation, the translucentfilm over the base plate varied in thickness according to the shades ofthe image may be formed by pouring a translucent fluid over the baseplate followed by solidifying the fluid.

[0014] In the plate featuring imagewise representation, the translucentfilm over the base plate may be formed by solidification in a moldhaving its thickness varied in correspondence to the shades of the imageor otherwise, the translucent film over the base plate may be shaped bycutting the film to thicknesses corresponding to the shades of theimage.

[0015] (2) In accordance with the invention, a three-dimensional modelfeaturing shades representation is characterized in that a translucentfilm varied in thickness according to the shades of an image to berepresented is overlaid on an opaque or light reflectivethree-dimensional base model.

[0016] According to the above arrangement, reflective light through athicker portion of the translucent film is absorbed by the film ingreater quantity so as to be significantly decreased in the lightquantity thereof. On the other hand, the reflective light through athinner portion of the translucent film is not much absorbed by the filmand hence, the reflective light therethrough is relatively greater inthe light quantity. Thus, the shades or luminance variations of theimage to be represented can be reproduced.

[0017] The “opaque or light reflective three-dimensional base model” maybe formed from any material that can reflect light toward thetranslucent film.

[0018] The above translucent film may comprise a resin incorporatingtherein a pigment. However, a material for the translucent film is notlimited to this and may include other materials such as rubber andglass.

[0019] In the three-dimensional model featuring shades representation,the translucent film over the three-dimensional base model varied inthickness according to the shades of the image may be formed by applyinga translucent fluid to the base model followed by solidifying the fluidto a smooth surface.

[0020] In the three-dimensional model featuring shades representation,the translucent film over the three-dimensional base model may be formedby solidification in a mold having its thickness varied incorrespondence to the shades of the image or otherwise, the translucentfilm over the three-dimensional base model may be shaped by cutting thefilm to thicknesses corresponding to the shades of the image.

[0021] (3) In accordance with the invention, an order system for a platehaving an arrangement wherein a translucent film varied in thicknessaccording to the shades of an image to be represented is overlaid on anopaque or light reflective base plate,

[0022] the system wherein an order acceptance computer installed atstore, an order handling computer installed at a management section on abusiness-operator side, and a production management computer installedat a production section on the business-operator side are interconnectedvia a communication line, and

[0023] wherein the store is provided with an image input apparatus whilethe following operations (a) to (d) are permitted:

[0024] (a) A customer operates the order acceptance computer to enter animage via the image input apparatus;

[0025] (b) The order handling computer stores the contents of the inputorder and sends the contents thereof to the production managementcomputer;

[0026] (c) The production management computer gives directions forproduction based on the contents of the order and manages a productionprocess; and

[0027] (d) The order handling computer receives a report on theproduction process from the production management computer so as tomanage the progress of the production.

[0028] This order system provides for quick and positive informationtransmission between the customer, the management section and theproduction section, thus achieving increased operation efficiencies.

[0029] Particularly where provisions are made such that the customer canconfirm the information on the made order or check on the progress ofthe production via the order acceptance computer at store or any otherarbitrary computer, the customer can readily and quickly receivenecessary information.

[0030] Furthermore, where provisions are made such that the customer canamend the information on the made order or add an additional itemthereto via the order acceptance computer at store or any otherarbitrary computer, the customer can give a proper direction to amendthe order as viewing the computer screen.

[0031] In accordance with the invention, an order system for athree-dimensional model having an arrangement wherein a translucent filmvaried in thickness according to the shades of an image to berepresented is overlaid on an opaque or light-reflectivethree-dimensional base model,

[0032] the system wherein an order acceptance computer installed atstore, an order handling computer installed at a management section on abusiness-operator side, and a production management computer installedat a production section on the business-operator side are interconnectedvia a communication line, and

[0033] wherein the store is provided with an image input apparatus whilethe following operations (e) to (h) are permitted:

[0034] (e) A customer operates the order acceptance computer to enterimage information via the image input apparatus;

[0035] (f) The order handling computer stores the contents of the inputorder and sends the contents thereof to the production managementcomputer;

[0036] (g) The production management computer gives directions forproduction based on the contents of the order and manages a productionprocess; and

[0037] (h) The order handling computer receives a report on theproduction process from the production management computer so as tomanage the progress of the production.

[0038] This order system provides for quick and positive informationtransmission between the customer, the management section and theproduction section, thus achieving increased operation efficiencies.

[0039] Particularly where arrangement is made such that the customer canconfirm the information on the made order or check on the progress ofthe production via the order acceptance computer at store or any otherarbitrary computer, the customer can readily and quickly receivenecessary information.

[0040] Furthermore, where provisions are made such that the customer canamend the information on the made order or add an additional itemthereto via the order acceptance computer at store or any otherarbitrary computer, the customer can give a proper direction to amendthe order as viewing the computer screen.

[0041] The best mode for carrying out the invention will hereinbelow bedescribed in details with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042]FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image plate 1 wherein a baseplate 2 is varied in the thickness thereof according to the shades of animage;

[0043]FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an image plate 4 wherein atranslucent film 3 formed with projections and depressions according tothe shades of an image is overlaid on a flat base plate 5;

[0044]FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a three-dimensional model 11wherein a base is varied in the thickness thereof according to theshades of an image;

[0045]FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the steps of production of thethree-dimensional model;

[0046]FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a three-dimensional model 14wherein a translucent film 13 formed with projections and depressionsaccording to the shades of an image is overlaid on a base model 15 freefrom unevenness information;

[0047]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a concept of an ordersystem for an image plate or three-dimensional model;

[0048]FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining how the contents of an orderedimage plate are amended via a computer 37 installed at home;

[0049]FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining how the contents of an orderedthree-dimensional model are amended via the computer 37 installed athome;

[0050]FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a conventional translucentplate 40 formed with projections and depressions;

[0051]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cylinder body 50 used foracquiring geometrical information on the three-dimensional model 11; and

[0052]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how an object image 38 in aprojection image is projected onto the cylinder body 50 by a camera.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0053] 1. Production of Image Plate

[0054]FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a plate 1 with an imagerepresentation (hereinafter referred to as “image plate”) which isproduced according to the invention.

[0055] The image plate 1 includes an opaque base plate 2 and atranslucent film 3.

[0056] A surface contour of the base plate 2 is formed by varying thethickness thereof according to the shades of an image. A method forforming the base plate 2 is not limited. For instance, the base platemay be formed by compacting a material in a mold formed with projectionsand depressions in correspondence to the image shades, or by cutting asoft resin material according to the shades of the image. The materialfor the base plate 2 is not particularly limited and may include metals,resins, rubbers, wood materials, gypsum and the like. The base plate 2may preferably have an opposite dark/light relation with the translucentfilm 3 such that a surface of the base plate may reflect as much lightas possible. Where the base plate 2 is formed from a dark coloredmaterial or is colored dark at the uneven surface thereof, for example,the translucent film 3 may preferably have a whitish color. Converselywhere the base plate 2 is formed from a white material or is coloredwhite at the uneven surface thereof, the translucent film 3 maypreferably have a dark color.

[0057] The base plate 2 has a greater thickness at a portioncorresponding to a bright area of the image, while having a smallerthickness at a portion corresponding to a dark area of the image.

[0058] The translucent film 3 is formed by pouring a gel-liketranslucent fluid over the uneven surface of the base plate 2 andsolidifying the fluid. Therefore, the resultant translucent film 3 has asmaller thickness at place corresponding to the thicker portion of thebase plate 2 and a greater thickness at place corresponding to thethinner portion of the base plate.

[0059] A material for the translucent film 3 may be opticallycharacterized by absorbing light at an absorptivity in a predeterminedrange and allowing the penetration of un-absorbed light. A usablematerial may be prepared by, for example, admixing a coloring pigment(Product No: R-17 Black) in a transparent epoxy resin in a volume ratioof about 0.2% and kneading the resultant mixture. The pigment is notlimited to black. Where a red image plate is desired, for example, a redpigment maybe used. Where a white image plate is desired, a whitepigment may be used.

[0060] According to the image plate 1 of the above configuration, anincident light ‘a’ upon the thicker portion of the base plate 2 aspenetrating the thinner portion of the translucent film 3 is reflectedby the base plate 2 as penetrating the translucent film 3. An incidentlight ‘b’ upon the thinner portion of the base plate 2 as penetratingthe thicker portion of the translucent film 3 is reflected by the baseplate 2 as penetrating the translucent film 3. The incident light ‘a’has a shorter light path through the translucent film 3 so as to beabsorbed less than the incident light ‘b’ and hence, is emitted as lightof a higher intensity. On the other hand, the incident light ‘b’ has alonger light path through the translucent film 3 so as to be absorbedmore and hence, is emitted as light of a lower intensity. Accordingly,light rays having intensities corresponding to the image shades enterthe eyes or a camera lens so that an original image is reproduced.

[0061] Although the image plate is produced by pouring the translucentfluid over the uneven surface of the base plate 2 according to theforegoing embodiment, the image plate maybe produced by solidifying thetranslucent fluid in a mold.

[0062]FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an image plate 4 which isproduced by the steps of spreading a molten translucent resin over aflat base plate 5; and solidifying the translucent resin with a mold(not shown) pressed thereagainst, the mold formed with projections anddepressions corresponding to the shades of the image. According to thisexample, the image shades information consists in the projections anddepressions of the mold. In this image plate 4, as well, the luminancevariations corresponding to the thickness variations of a translucentfilm 6 can be perceived.

[0063] In an alternative method to that illustrated by the image plate 4of FIG. 2, the unevenness can be produced by the steps of overlaying atranslucent resin on the flat base plate, and cutting the translucentresin into an uneven surface contour.

[0064] 2. Production of Three-Dimensional Model

[0065]FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a three-dimensional model 11with image representation according to the invention (hereinafter,referred to as “three-dimensional model”).

[0066] The three-dimensional model 11 includes an opaquethree-dimensional base model (hereinafter, referred to as, “base model”)12, and a translucent film 13.

[0067] A surface of the base model 12 is varied in the height thereofaccording to the shades of the image. There is no limitation to a methodfor producing the base model 12, which may be produced by, for example,(1) compacting a resin material in molds formed with projections anddepression corresponding to the shades of the image; or (2) cutting asoft resin mass to heights represented by the image shades. A materialfor the base model 12 is not particularly limited and may includemetals, resins, rubbers, wood materials, gypsum and the like.

[0068] The base model 12 may preferably have an opposite dark/lightrelation with the translucent film 13 such that a surface of the basemodel may reflect as much light as possible. Where the base model 12 isformed from a dark colored material or is colored dark at the surfacethereof, for example, the translucent film 13 may preferably have awhitish color. Conversely where the base model 12 is formed from a whitematerial or is colored white at the surface thereof, the translucentfilm 13 may preferably have a dark color.

[0069] The base model 12 is protruded at a portion corresponding to abrighter area of the image (say, a skin area of a face image) but isdepressed at a portion corresponding to a darker area of the image (say,the hair and irises of the face image).

[0070] The translucent film 13 is formed by applying a gel-liketranslucent fluid to the uneven surface of the base model 12, andsolidifying the fluid to a smooth surface or smooth grinding thesolidified mass. Accordingly, the translucent film 13 is formed in asmaller thickness at place corresponding to the protruded portion of thebase model 12 and in a greater thickness at place corresponding to thedepressed portion thereof.

[0071] A material for the translucent film 13 may be opticallycharacterized by absorbing light at an absorptivity in a predeterminedrange. A usable material may be prepared by, for example, admixing acoloring pigment (Product No: R-17 Black) in a transparent epoxy resinin a volume ratio of about 0.2% and kneading the resultant mixture. Thepigment is not limited to black. Where a red three-dimensional model isdesired, for example, a red pigment may be used. Where a whitethree-dimensional model is desired, a white pigment may be used.

[0072]FIG. 4 is a flow chart explanatory of the aforementionedproduction procedure. The flow chart represents a flow of processingsdone by a production management computer to be described hereinlater.

[0073] When three-dimensional geometric data including image information(used herein to mean the same as shades information or luminancevariations information) are inputted to the production managementcomputer (Step S1), the production management computer converts theimage information into height information (Step S2). A base model isproduced based on the height information (Step S3). Where thethree-dimensional geometric data represents a man's head, for example, ahead model is produced based on the data and then is subjected tocutting for forming protrusions or depressions on the surface of themodel.

[0074] Subsequently, a translucent film is applied to the surface of thebase model, allowed to solidify and then finished to a smooth surface.Thus is obtained the three-dimensional model (Step S4).

[0075] According to the three-dimensional model of the aboveconfiguration as shown in FIG. 3, an incident light ‘a’ upon theprotruded portion of the base model 12 as penetrating the thinnerportion of the translucent film 13 is reflected by the base plate 2 aspenetrating the translucent film 13. An incident light ‘b’ upon thedepressed portion of the base model 12 as penetrating the thickerportion of the translucent film 13 is reflected by the base model 12 aspenetrating the translucent film 13. The incident light ‘a’ has ashorter light path through the translucent film 13 than the incidentlight ‘b’ so as to be absorbed less than the incident light ‘b’ andhence, is emitted as light of a higher intensity. On the other hand, theincident light ‘b’ has a longer light path through the translucent film13 so as to be absorbed more and hence, is emitted as light of a lowerintensity. Accordingly, light rays having intensities corresponding tothe shades of the image enter the eyes or a camera lens so that anoriginal image is reproduced on the base model 12.

[0076] Although the three-dimensional model is produced by applying thetranslucent fluid onto the uneven surface of the base model 12 accordingto the foregoing embodiment, the three-dimensional model may be producedby solidifying the translucent fluid in a mold.

[0077]FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a three-dimensional model 14produced by the steps of: applying a molten translucent resin onto abase model 15 free from unevenness information, and solidifying thetranslucent resin with molds (not shown) pressed thereagainst, the moldsformed with projections and depressions corresponding to the shades ofthe image. According to this example, the image shades informationconsists in the projections and depressions of the molds. In thisthree-dimensional model 14, as well, the luminance variationscorresponding to the thickness variations of the translucent film 16 canbe perceived.

[0078] In an alternative method to that illustrated by thethree-dimensional model 14 of FIG. 5, the unevenness can be produced bythe steps of applying a translucent resin onto the base model withoutthe unevenness information, and cutting the translucent resin into anuneven surface contour.

[0079] 3. Order System

[0080]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a concept of an ordersystem for an image plate or a three-dimensional model. In FIG. 6, thinlines with arrows represent data communications lines, whereas thicklines with arrows represent delivery routes.

[0081] A business operator owns a plurality of stores, a managementsection (office) and a production section (plant).

[0082] The store is provided with an order acceptance computer 31including an image input apparatus 30. The management section isprovided with a computer 32 for handling the accepted order and a server33 for storing various data. The production section is provided with acomputer 34 for managing production processes for producing the imageplate or three-dimensional model, an inspection apparatus 35 forinspecting a resultant product, and a shipping station 36 for shipping aconforming product.

[0083] The image input apparatus 30 is equipped with a plurality ofcameras and a computer (not shown), thus adapted to acquire geometricalinformation and shades information on an original three-dimensionalobject.

[0084] Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, description is made on aspecific method for acquiring the geometrical information and shadesinformation on the three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional modelis placed in a cylinder body 50 having an axis 51 and the cylinder bodyis divided into unit spaces (voxels) 52 representing cylindricalco-ordinates. Then, a pyramid-shaped space (referred to as “a virtualpresence space”) 53 is defined which has a sectional shape defined by anobject image 38 in a projection image 39 and a vertex positioned at aprojection center C of the camera. “1” is voted for a voxel of thevirtual presence space in the cylinder body 50 (voting process). Such avoting process is performed on each image projected from each of theinstalled cameras. The number of votes for each voxel is added up. Athreshold is set such that a portion having a greater number of votesthan the threshold is determined to constitute the three-dimensionalgeometry of the three-dimensional model (Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 10-124704). The shades information may be acquired byapplying luminance values of the object image 38 picked up by the camerato the surface contour of the three-dimensional model.

[0085] The order acceptance computer 31 is in connection with the orderhandling computer 32 and the server 33 at the management section via adata communication line 41. On the other hand, the order handlingcomputer 32 and the server 33 are in connection with the productionmanagement computer 34 and a computer of the inspection apparatus 35 atthe production section via a data communication line 42.

[0086] The product from the shipping section 36 is directly delivered tothe store or a customer via a distributor.

[0087] In the above system, the customer may open a web page of theserver 33 to operate the order acceptance computer 31 thereby inputtingan image (such as a portrait of the customer) via the image inputapparatus 30 and to define specifications (including, for example, acolor, a material and the like) of a desired image plate orthree-dimensional model

[0088] The order handling computer 32 stores the contents of theinputted order in the server 33 and sends the same to the productionmanagement computer 34.

[0089] Based on the contents of the order, the production managementcomputer 34 gives directions for production and manages the productionprocesses. In addition, the computer generates an imaginary image of afinished product.

[0090] Receiving a report on the production process of the product ofinterest from the production management computer 34, the order handlingcomputer 32 controls the progress of the production. As required, theorder handling computer 32 also retrieves the imaginary image of thefinished product from the production management computer 34.

[0091] The customer is allowed to confirm information on the made orderand to check on the progress of the production of the ordered productvia the order acceptance computer 31 at store.

[0092] In addition, the customer is also allowed to amend the contentsof the made order or add an additional item thereto via the orderacceptance computer 31 at store or a computer 37 at home.

[0093]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how the customer amends the contentsof an ordered image plate or adds an additional item thereto via thecomputer 37 at home. A screen of the computer 37 displays an imaginaryimage of a finished product, via which the customer amends the image oradds a background.

[0094]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the customer amends the contentsof an ordered three-dimensional model or adds an additional item theretovia the computer 37 at home. The screen of the computer 37 displays animaginary image of a finished product, via which the customer amends thethree-dimensional model or adds a tie thereto.

[0095] The amended contents and added item are sent to the orderhandling computer 32 which, in turn, accordingly changes the contents ofthe accepted order before storing the amended contents in the server 33.Subsequently, the amended contents of the order are sent to theproduction management computer 34 for altering the production processes.

1. A plate featuring imagewise representation, wherein a translucentfilm varied in thickness according to the shades of an image to berepresented is overlaid on an opaque or light reflective base plate. 2.A plate featuring imagewise representation according to claim 1, whereinthe translucent film comprises a resin incorporating therein a pigment.3. A plate featuring imagewise representation according to claim 1,wherein the translucent film over the base plate varied in thicknessaccording to the shades of the image is formed by pouring a translucentfluid over the base plate followed by solidifying the fluid.
 4. A platefeaturing imagewise representation according to claim 1, wherein thetranslucent film over the base plate is formed by solidification in amold having its thickness varied in correspondence to the shades of theimage.
 5. A plate featuring imagewise representation according to claim1, wherein the translucent film over the base plate is shaped by cuttingthe film to thicknesses corresponding to the shades of the image.
 6. Athree-dimensional model featuring shades representation wherein atranslucent film varied in thickness according to the shades of an imageto be represented is overlaid on an opaque or light reflectivethree-dimensional base model.
 7. A three-dimensional model featuringshades representation according to claim 6, wherein the translucent filmcomprises a resin incorporating therein a pigment.
 8. Athree-dimensional model featuring shades representation according toclaim 6, wherein the translucent film over the three-dimensional basemodel varied in thickness according to the shades of the image is formedby applying a translucent fluid to the base model followed bysolidifying the fluid to a smooth surface.
 9. A three-dimensional modelfeaturing shades representation according to claim 6, wherein thetranslucent film over the three-dimensional base model is formed bysolidification in a mold with its thickness varied in correspondence tothe shades of the image.
 10. A three-dimensional model featuring shadesrepresentation according to claim 6, wherein the translucent film overthe three-dimensional base model is shaped by cutting the film tothicknesses corresponding to the shades of the image.
 11. An ordersystem for a plate having an arrangement wherein a translucent filmvaried in thickness according to the shades of an image to berepresented is overlaid on an opaque or light reflective base plate, thesystem wherein an order acceptance computer installed at store, an orderhandling computer installed at a management section on abusiness-operator side, and a production management computer installedat a production section on the business-operator side are interconnectedvia a communication line, and wherein the store is provided with animage input apparatus while the following operations (a) to (d) arepermitted: (a) A customer operates the order acceptance computer toenter an image via the image input apparatus; (b) The order handlingcomputer stores the contents of the input order and sends the contentsthereof to the production management computer; (c) The productionmanagement computer gives directions for production based on thecontents of the order and manages a production process; and (d) Theorder handling computer receives a report on the production process fromthe production management computer so as to manage the progress of theproduction.
 12. An order system according to claim 11, wherein thecustomer can confirm the information on the made order or check on theprogress of the production via the order acceptance computer at store orany other arbitrary computer.
 13. An order system according to claim 12,wherein the customer can amend the information on the made order or addan additional item thereto via the order acceptance computer at store orany other arbitrary computer.
 14. An order system for athree-dimensional model having an arrangement wherein a translucent filmvaried in thickness according to the shades of an image to berepresented is overlaid on an opaque or light-reflectivethree-dimensional base model, the system wherein an order acceptancecomputer installed at store, an order handling computer installed at amanagement section on a business-operator side, and a productionmanagement computer installed at a production section on thebusiness-operator side are interconnected via a communication line, andwherein the store is provided with an image input apparatus while thefollowing operations (e) to (h) are permitted: (e) A customer operatesthe order acceptance computer to enter image information via the imageinput apparatus; (f) The order handling computer stores the contents ofthe input order and sends the contents thereof to the productionmanagement computer; (g) The production management computer givesdirections for production based on the contents of the order and managesa production process; and (h) The order handling computer receives areport on the production process from the production management computerso as to manage the progress of the production.
 15. An order systemaccording to claim 14, wherein the customer can confirm the informationon the made order or check on the progress of the production via theorder acceptance computer at store or any other arbitrary computer. 16.An order system according to claim 15, wherein the customer can amendthe information on the made order or add an additional item thereto viathe order acceptance computer at store or any other arbitrary computer.